Lucrezia Ciotti The events took place in Ostuni funeral of the brigadier of police Carlo Legrottaglie, tragically killed during a firefight while carrying out his duty. The city gathered in a collective embrace of grief and gratitude, with thousands of citizens present to pay homage to the servant of the State. The ceremony, moving and solemn, saw the participation of the highest institutional officials, including Sergio Mattarella.
Ostuni, funeral of the murdered carabiniere Carlo Legrottaglie
Thousands of people, including citizens and representatives of the institutions, attended the funeral of Charles Legrottaglie, the carabiniere killed in a firefight in the province of Brindisi. Born in Cisternino but resident in Ostuni, he lost his life in Francavilla Fontana, where he was serving in the radiomobile unit of the Company Command. He was close to retirement.
The coffin, wrapped in the Italian flag, was welcomed by a long applause from the crowd gathered outside the church. Carried on the shoulders of eight carabinieri, who passed through an honor guard of soldiers in full uniform.
During the homily in Ostuni, the military ordinary for Italy, Gian Franco Saba, underlined how, in a world marked by divisions and conflicts, there are still men who dedicate their lives to the good of others, finding true happiness in this. He then explained that, although Legrottaglie's earthly happiness ended with his death, he he has crossed the threshold of an eternal and indissoluble happiness.
The religious ceremony, officiated by Monsignor Saba, saw the participation of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, of the ministers Matthew Crying himself, Guido Crosetto and Marina Calderone, by European Commissioner Raffaele Thick, by the President of the Puglia Region Michele Emiliano, as well as mayors and presidents of provinces and municipalities, both local and from outside the province.
Ostuni, funeral of the murdered carabiniere Carlo Legrottaglie: the words of Crosetto and Mattarella
“The last days of service of a public employee are usually days of farewells, pats on the back, assessments and preparations for a new life. Unfortunately that day was different. He didn't stay in the office to sort out paperwork. He didn't take a break. Carlo would have retired in July. The countdown had begun. A few days of leave and then off to retirement,” Guido Crosetto wrote on X.
It was recalled that the carabineer he never counted the days, because for the servants of the State what really counts is the duty deriving from the oath and the uniform, which he never wore out of habit. Carlo went out on patrol as on every other day of his career, he climbed onto the "gazzella" simply to do his duty.
“I cannot offer his family words that can ease their pain, I can only make a solemn promise: Carlo's family will also be our family. As are for us all the families of those who sacrificed their lives serving Italy in uniform”, concluded the minister.
The Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, expressed his support approaching and comforting the family members of Legrottaglie, including his wife and two daughters. Even at the end of the funeral ceremony, before leaving the church, the President of the Republic stayed for a last moment of closeness with the relatives. Deep was the emotion expressed by Legrottaglie's parents, wife and two daughters.
President Mattarella at the funeral of Carabinieri Chief Brigadier Carlo Legrottaglie pic.twitter.com/ISFkswr187
- Quirinale (@Quirinale) June 14, 2025